Airborne Wireless Network (ABWN) has issued an update on how the testing of its Infinitus Super Highway inflight connectivity system is progressing.

It says that during lab and bench testing, it has demonstrated that the contemplated Infinitus Super Highway can transfer data at a speed greater than 10 Gbps.

However, during recent field testing, the company says it was not able to replicate these results due to issues with the hardware, software and their integration.

The Free Space Optics terminals supplied by Mynaric AG required additional modifications, for which Mynaric has provided support in the form of additional equipment, as well as sending two of its technicians to work with our staff in the lab and field.

In addition, the custom software developed by Thinking Different Technologies B.V. (TDT), as per the company’s specifications has required updating, which TDT has been providing.

Finally, iNTELLICOM Technologies, which provides engineering design, product implementation and production, and serves as an integration and test services partner, has been providing additional support.

Once these identified modifications are completed, ABWN intends to conduct additional field testing and has been granted permission to conduct this at a nearby private university campus located in Simi Valley, California.

Following completion of the field testing, the company intends to conduct a two-plane flight/Free Space Optics test utilising two Cessnas installed with the developing Infinitus Super Highway technology and hardware.

Michael J. Warren, Chief Executive Officer of ABWN said: “We are encouraged about the progress of the company’s lab and bench test results, but still have to improve the hardware, software and integration to move into the field.

“We have experienced a number of hardware and software setbacks, which we are working on daily to position ourselves so we may be able to conduct a sustained field test at 10Gbps data transfer over a distance of two kilometres.

“Once the two kilometre test is completed, we intend to move forward with the two-plane Cessna test. I wish to personally thank our employees and vendors, including Mynaric, TDT and iNTELLICOM, who have spent countless hours, long nights and weekends to develop the planned Infinitus Super Highway.”

It is projected that each aircraft participating in the network will act as an airborne repeater or router, sending and receiving broadband signals from one aircraft to the next and creating a digital information superhighway in the sky.